Tax-Deductible Dollars for Fraternity Housing

For many Chi Phi Alumni, their Chapter House was a home away from home. They learned how to do laundry, study for tests and get along with others in the fraternity house. It didn’t matter if that was 1 Fraternity Row, Gainesville, Florida, 1824 Chakett Court, Bryan, Texas or 290 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, Georgia Chi Phi was far more than just a place to sleep.

Contrary to media portrayals, the Chapter House serves a critical role in the academic success of our active Brothers. Students need access to study space and up-to-date technology in order to succeed in the classroom. While the IRS limits tax-deductible gifts to a fraternity house or house corporation, there are exceptions for educational space within a house.

Chi Phi is committed to assisting our Brothers success and the Educational Trust has made housing grants possible through the Changing Lives Campaign.

The Educational Trust is permitted to make grants to build, renovate and operate space in the house that qualifies as educational if it is equivalent to that which is provided by the host university in its dormitories. These grants are made through the Chapter Excellence Fund which allows donors to receive a tax deduction for any gifts.

Grants can be made to build brand new space, as was the case for 9,000 square feet of the new Eta Chapter House, or grants can be made to update or renovate existing space. Additionally, Chapters can use CEF grants for ongoing housing operational costs for the life of the house. Chapters interested in offering a tax-deductible donation to donors and receiving a housing grant can contact Senior Director of Development, Elizabeth Knott at knott@chiphi.org or 800.849.1824.

About Chi Phi

The Chi Phi Educational Trust is a 501(c)(3) educational foundation whose mission is to support the Chi Phi Fraternity by promoting scholarship, developing character, improving educational facilities and supporting charitable causes. We are a values-based organization founded on the basis of Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity. These are timeless values, which guide the fundamental purposes of the fraternity foundation.